Electric motor system



Dec. 17,- 1946. T. c. SHARP ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 8, 1943V Dec. 17, 1946. T. c. SHARP 2,412,656

ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM Filed April 8, 1943 2 sheets-speer 2 Y Other-Stations and Heczlf/ers 2 /7 4. 7 Zio/w45 C. SHARE INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 17,

ELECTRIC -MOTOR SYSTEM Thomas C. Sharp, North Hollywood, Calif., as-

signor to Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Application April 8, 1943, Serial No. 482,226

This invention relates to electric motor systems and particularly to the interconnecting circuits and the speed control of alternating current interlock and synchronous motor systems which can be operated at a plurality of different speeds.

In certain motor vdrive systems, such as those used for advancing lm in motion picture cameras, projectors, sound recorders, 4and sound reproducers, the motors are required to drive certain rotating elements, such as sprockets and shutters, not only at a constant speed, but in a predetermined phase relationship from a standstill position. In the case of a picture camera located at a scene being photographed, and a sound recorder located in a truck or in a building removed from the scene being photographed, it is necessary to advance the negative films, in the respective camera and recorder, at a constant speed so that the picture and sound can he later combined on one print. For this purpose ordinary synchronous motors may ne used, such as the salient pole induction type. which have an initial starting torque, or they may be driven by alternating current interlock motors from a master distributor-generator which controls the rotation oi the load motors.

With straight synchronous motors; the lzns are marked, when the motors reach constant speed, in order to facilitate the combination of the films. In recording systems using the inter- 1 lock type of motors, the nime may Toe marked at standstill for later combination of the sound track and picture. In process photography, wherein each frame must he projected during the time the photographing camera shutter is open, the alternating current interlock system is practically a necessity in order to accomplish these results, since the lm pullicwn mechanisms must he adjusted at standstill. There are also times in the production of sound motion pictures, particularly during the photographing of miniatures, when .the nlm is advanced at other than the standard speed which is called` under-cranking and over-cranking.

Thenresent invention is directed to a motor system which will provide a plurality of different speeds and will permit each motor to operate as a straight synchronous motor, or all motors to operate as in the present typeof interlock system. The present system eliminates thecom- .paratively expensive and bulky distributor-generator oi the interlock systems, the motors have good starting characteristics without using auxiliery starting apparatus, while each motor may operate with a unity power factor which adds to the economy of such systems.

The principal object of the invention, therefore, is to facilitate the'operation of a plurality of motors in synchronism.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the operation of a plurality of motors in electrical interlock.

A further object of the invention is to provide an alternating current interlock motor system which does not employs distributor-generator, and any motor of which may operate as a straight synchronous motor.

'A further object of the invention is to provide a plural motor system adapted to operate either as an alternating current interlock system or as a straight synchronous system at different speeds.4

A further object of the invention is to provide a motor system which is adaptable for variable speed operation or maybe used as a straight synchronous or alternating current interlock system.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single motor unit which will operate at diierent synchronous speeds and at variable speeds.

Although the novel features which are believed to loe characteristic of this invention will be pointed out with particularity in the appended claims, the manner of its organization and the mode of its operation will be better understood by referring to the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which: l

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the usual type of alternating current interlock system novi in Fig. 2 is a similar type of block diagram of a system embodying the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram ci the switch. system and of cneof the motor units of Fig. 2.

Fig. Li is a cross sectional view of one of the motor units oi Fig. 2, and

Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating the speed of operation of the system of Fig. 2.

Referring new to Fig. 1, the usual type of alternoting current interlock system is shown supplied from a 22S-volt, Bphase, {S0-cycle source connected through any weil-known type of starting switch system 5 to a driving motor and the stator of a distributorgenerator 8 and the stato'rs of the load motors of the system, two of such motors being shown at 9 and IB. The driving motor t is mechanicallyconnected by a shaft lite the rotor oi' the distributopeenerator 8.

' as section X and section Y.

The rotors of the load motors, and the rotor or the distributoregenerator 3 are electrically inter connected as shown. i

In operating a system such as shown in Fig. l, .the stators are first all energized simultaneously, which electrically and physically positions the rotors at standstill; the driving motor 6 then energized and the rotation of the distributor rotor caused thereby will rotate the rotors oi the load .motors in exact phase relationship with the rotation of the rotor of the distributor-generator. When such a system is energized from a (S-cycle source, the interlock or slip frequency is 60 cycles when the rotors are stationary, and, as the rotors increase in speed, this frequency will decrease until it reaches some value, such as 20 cycles, where the driving motor reaches constant speed. The slip frequency is not reduced beyond 20 cycles because of the loss in locking in torque. In order to compensate for dierentresistance values in the rotors of the various motors, which are connected in the system and thus insure stability, it is necessary to have the master distributor-generator of a considerably larger capacity than that of the motors, which, together with the large synchronous driving motor cornprises the major cost item of such a system. Furf thermore, such a system is confined to asingle interlock speed with a given power source. The interlocking action o'f self-synchronizing systems is well-known as disclosed in Nhchalke Patent No. 684,579 of October 15, 1901, Morton Patent No. 1,847,191 of March 1. 1932, Koenekamp Patent No. 2,004,992 o June 18, 1935, and Arndt Patent No. 2,310,330 of February 9, 1943.

As a comparison with the majority of interlock systems now in use, Fig. 2 shows the system of the invention in a manner similar to the showing of the system of Fig. l. In Fig. 2, the same 22o-volt, 3phase, 60cycle source is connected through the same starting switch system 5 of Fig. 1 to the stators of the load motors I5 and |6 of applicants invention. The rotors of the load motors are interconnected similarly to the load motors of Fig. 1, but the driving motor 6 and the distributor-generator 8 of Fig. 1 have now been eliminated. The system of Fig. 2 will function in the same interlock manner ras that of Fig. 1, and, in addition, by switching connections to each unit, each motor may operate as a straight synchronous motor at different speeds, as will now be explained.

Referring to Figs. -3 and 4, wherein one of the load motor units is represented both schematically and mechanically, all motors being similar, each motor unit comprises two sections which, for purposes of explanation, will be identied Section X is a fourpole wound rotor section having a stator I8 andv a rotor I9, while section Y is asimilar type twopole section having a. stator 2| and a rotor 22. Rotors I9 and 22 are on a shaft 24 mounted in bearings at the ends of the frame housing 21. A three-ring commutator 2G for the rotor windings mounted on shaft 2l intermediate the rotors I9 and 22.

Referringnow to Fig. 3, it will bey noted that the rotors I9 and 22 are electrically`connected together through the three slip rings of the commutator 28. It also is to be noted that stators I8 and 2| am tapped for the purpose of supplying a. direct current thereto from a full wave rectier 29 connected to one phase of the three-phase source of supply. For obtaining diierent speeds a triple section rheostat 3| and switches A, B,

and C are provided, the functions of which will now be explained. Although only onemotor unit such as i5 in Fig. 2, is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, it is to' be understood that the other motors are of the same type, the stators and rotors of which I are connected to the extension conductors indicated in Fig. 3, while the rectifier conductors e maybe similarly connected to respective rectier units of other load motors. p

The operation of the system will now be described, the iirst type of operation being that oi 4 an alternatingy current interlock system adapted to rotateat 1200 R. P. M. o r, if only one motor is needed, Athen as a straight synchronous motor at 1200 R.. P. M., this speed being the most generally used with present type of motion picture apparatus using interlock motors. To cbtain this condition, switches A, B, and C are operated as follows:

i. Close switch A to the right.

2. Open switch B.

3. Close switch C to the right.

The closing of switch A to the right connects the 22o-volt, 3phase, 60-cyc1e source to the stator I8 of section X. The .closing of ,switch C to the right connects the output of rectier 29 to stator 2| through variable resistors 35, 35, and 3l. With the switches so adjusted so that power is applied through the starting switch 5, 60-cycle current is induced by transformer action into rotor I9 and also into rotor 22, while the rotors are stationary. Since all motor sections and motor units are connected to the same power source, all windings are phased out, but with direct current in each winding 2| of the various units and these windings interconnected through resistors 35, 36, and 31, a starting torque is produced in rotors 22 and I9. As the rotors I9 and 22 begin to'rotate due to this starting torque,` which is also present in the other motor units, all rotors will remain in step due to the circulatory currents therebetween in the same manner as in the system of Fig. 1. For this type of operation, lche resistors 35, 3B, and 3'! may be set at some iixed value, and, in the event the load on the motor is light, they may be omitted entirely. All motor units thus accelerate in phase and at the same rate until they reach a speed of 1200 R. P. M.

To explain the constant speed operation, reference is again made to the unit of Fig. 3 since speed of operation of the two-pole section Y.l

Thus, the rotors will continue to accelerate until the frequency of the current induced in rotors I9 and 22 is 20 cycles, at which point the synchronous speed of the two-pole driving section Y, is 1200 R. P. M. (See Fig. 5.) decrease in the frequency of the induced current will tend to Iincrease the speed of section X andv decrease the speed of section Y so the rotors remain at 1200 R.. P. M. As the frequency supplied to all motor units in the system, shown in Fig. 2, is the same, their rotors will rotate in step or in phase with each other before and after they reach the speed of 1200 R. P. M. Since the stator of motor section Yis energize? with direct current and is operating as a true synchro- Any furtherv by the following switch operations:

. nous motor, it may have a unity power iactor and correct for any inductive load onthe system. Thus, the above type' of operation'will produce a constant speed rotation of 1200 R. P. M.,

. either interlock, which eliminates thedistributor# -generator and driving motor, or as a straight s `synchronous motor, if any one motor is operated alone. The next type of operation to be described is' where a single motor or a plurality oi' the motors are tobe run as synchronousmotors at 1800 vR. P. M. To obtain this speed, the switches are thrown as follows: i

- 1. Close switch Ato the left.

2.A OpenA switch B. 3. Close switch C to the left. y With the switches so adjusted, the power source 'is connected directly to the rotor windings I9 and 22, and the rectifier is connected to the stator winding I8 through the variable resistors 39, 4I,

and 4|. The speed of the unit will now be controlled by the section X, and, as shown by the four-pole section characteristic 'in- Fig; 5,y the unit will run at 1800 R. P. M. with a squirrel cage starting action. The resistors 39, 40, and 4| may be set at some ilxed value or may be used to provide the desired acceleration characteristic. With direct-current in the stator windings, a desirable power viactoris obtained.-

To operate the unit at 3600 R. P. M. synchronous speed, the switches are operated as follows:

1. Close switch A to the left.

2. Open switch B. 3. Close switch C to the right. With the switches so operated, the power sourcevis again connected to the rotors lI9 and 22, but the rectifier is now connected to the stator windings 2| through variable resistors 35, 36, and

31. In this manner of operation, the-two-pole 1. Close switch A to the right.

2. Close switch B lto the right.

3'. 'Open switch C. l

4. Adjust rheosta't 3| to speed desired.

With the switches so adjusted and with power applied through swtch'system 5, the four-pole motor section will operate as a squirrel cage motor at a speed dependent upon the amount of resistance across the rotor windings, such speed control being well-known in motionpicture'practice for making under and over-cranked shots.

A second type of variable speed operation covering a rangeof speeds .from 1800 R. P.. M. to approximately 3600 R. P.'M. following switch adjustments:

1. Close switch A to the left.

2, Close switch B to the left.

3. Open switch C.

4. Adjust rheostat 3|. to the speed desired.

With theff'switches in the position just indicated, the two-pole motor section Y will now operate as a squirrel cage induction motor, the speed of which may be a-slip-synchronous speed from zero to approximately 3600 R. P. M., in acecrdance with the amount of resistance across accomplished the windings 2|. Although the speed of the unit so connected may be brought below 1800 R. P. M., l

, the power derived ai; these lower speeds is small nec'ted `to operate at the various synchronous is obtained by the.

so thatit is preferable to use the four-pole motor l section for these lower speeds.

From the aboveldescription, it will be noted that theinvention utilizes a motor unit having a fourpole motor section and a two-pole motor section, the sections being `concatenated in a manner to provide a synchronous speed of 1.200 R. P. M., Vand operated individually to obtain synchronous speeds of 1800 R.. -P. M., and 3600 R. P. M. A pluralityof these units may also' beA connected for interlock operation without the addition of adistributor-generator and driving motor, while. a plurality of units may be conspe'eds just mentioned. If' no starting switch systems'such as shown at 5, were provided, a similarl starting characteristic is 'obtainable by using therheostat 3| across the winding 2|-,- or

by varying the resistances 35, 38, and 31 during the acceleration period.Y By the use of direct current on the stator windings, a unity power factor may be obtained to oil'set any inductive load on vthe power system. Although the cost of one'motor unit of the invention may be greater 'than that Aof a load motor shown in Fig. l, the

cost of'a normal complete system is 'less than a complete system of the type shown in Fig'. 1, while v Y the exibility and economy lof operation of the invention is considerably'greater, as described above.

' It is to be understood that although the in# Avention has been illustrated and described in connection with a four-pole section and a' twopole section, other combinations may be concatenated to obtain-other interlock speeds. That is, a four-pole four-pole unit willI operate at 900 R. P. M. whileA a six-pole four-pole unit will run at 720 R. P. M. if energized from a (iO-cycle source. Y

I claim as my invention:

1. A motor system comprisinga source of alter# nating current energy, a source of direct current energy, a plurality of motor units each having a pair of stators and a pair of rotors, all of said 'rotors of all of said units being'electrically interconnected, said rotors of each of said units being` mechanically and electrically interconnected, one

of said stators andv one of said rotors of each of said units forming a motor section and the other of said stators and rotors of each of said units forming a second motor section, said rst men,- tioned section having a predetermined maximum speedas an individual section and said second section, havinga different maximum speed as anv individual section, the iinal constant speed oi operation of each of said units being atthe intersection ofthe speed 'characteristics of said two sections; said operating speed being less than said rst mentioned maximum speeds, and a plurality of switching means between said source of alternating current energy and the stators of said iirst mentioned section of each of said u nits and the rotors of each of said units, and between said direct current energy source and said stators, one position Yof said switching means connecting said source of alternating current energy to the stator of saidrst mentioned section of. each of said units, and connecting said source of direct current energy to the stator of said second section of each of said units, said units being adapted to be magnetically locked, accelerated, and run section of each of said units is connected to said source of direct current by said switching means.

3. A motor system in accordance with claim l, in which a third position of said switching means connects said alternating current source to the rotors of said sections .of each of said units for operating each of said units at said second mentioned maximum speed of said second mentioned section when the stator of said second mentioned section of each of said units is connected to said source of direct current by said switching means.

4. A plural motor system comprising a plurality of motor units, each unit having a pair of rotors electrically and mechanically interconnected and a pairof stators, means for electrically interconnecting all o! said rotors of all of said units, a

. source of three-phase electrical current, means for obtaining direct current :froml said source, a plurality of switching means adapted to connect said direct current means to one or the other of said stators of all of said units, and a plurality of switching means adapted to connect said alternating current source to one stator of said pair of stators or to said rotors of said units, the relative positioning of said switching means controlling the interlock speed of operation of said units. f

5. A plural motor system comprising a plural-v ity of motor units, each unit having a pair of rotors electrically and mechanically interconnected and a pair of stators, means for electrically interconnecting all of said rotors of all of said units, a source of three-phase electrical current, means for obtaining direct current from said source, switching means adapted to connect said direct current means to one or the other of said stators of all of said units, and switching means adapted to connect said alternating current source to one stator of said pair of stators or to said rotors of said units, said motor units operating at a certain constant speed in interlock when said alternating current is connected to said one stator of each of said units and said direct current means is connected to said other stator of each of said units, any one of said motor units being adapted to operate at a synchronous speed different from said first mentioned speed when said alternating current energy source is connected to said rotors of said units and said direct current means is connected to one of said stators. and at a third synchronous speed when said alternating current source is connected to said rotors and said direct current means is connected to the other of said stators.

6. A plural motor system comprising a plurality of motor units, each unit having a pair of ro-` tors electrically and mechanically interconnected and a pair-oi' stators, means for electrically interconnecting all of said rotors of all of said units? a source of three-phase electrical current, means for obtaining direct current fromv said source. switching means adapted to connect said direct of all of said units, the connecting of said alter- 1 current means to oneor the other of said stators of all of said units, and switching means adapted to connect said alternating current source to one stator of said pair of stators or to said rotors of said units, said motor umts operating at a certain constant speed in interlock when said alternating current is connected to said one stator of each of said units and said direct current means is connected to said other stator of each of said units, any one of-said motor units being adapted to run at a plurality of di'erent speeds when said alternating current source is connected to a stator of said unit and the rotors of said unit are connected to a variable resistance.

'1. A plural motor system comprising a source of three-phase alternatingcurrent, a source of direct current, a plurality of motor unitsreach unit having a pair of stators and a pair of rotors, v

means for electrically interconnecting allof said rotors of all the units, means for mechanically connecting the two rotors of each of said units, a plurality of switching means interposed between said alternating current source, one of the stators of each unit, and the rotors of each unit, and another plurality of switching means interposed'between said direct current'source and the stators nating current source to one stator of each unit, and the connecting of said direct current source to another stator of each unit providing all of said, motor units with a certain constant interlock speed, the connecting of said alternating current source to all of said rotors and the connecting of said direct current source to one of said stators providing a diilerent interlock speed of operation of all of said units, and the connecting .of said a1- ternating current source to said rotors and the connecting of said direct current source to the other of the stators of said umts providing a third speed of interlock operation of allof said units.

8. A plural motor system in accordance withv claim 7, in which any one of said units may be operated at a variable speed when one stator thereof is connected to said alternating current source and a variable resistance is connected to the rotors of said unit.

9. The method of operating a plurality of motor units at a plurality of diierent speeds in in-v terlock. each of said units including a pair of stators and a pair of rotors, said rotors of each unit being mechanically and electrically'connected. said method comprising simultaneously energizing one of the stators of each of said units with alternating current, and simultaneously energizing al1 the other stators of said units with direct y current to provide a certain speed of interlock energizing .the other stator of all of said units with direct current to obtain a third interlock speed of operation.

10. The method in accordance with claim 9, in which any one of said motor units may be operated ata variable speed by impressing alternating current on a, stator of said unit and connecting a variable resistance to the rotors of said unit.

v THOMAS C. SHARP. 

